March 3, 2008

LAWMAKER FOCUSES ON SINKING HOMES

By Elizabeth Benton, Register Staff

NEW HAVEN — The state Bond Commission approved $6.9 million for reconstruction of Whalley Avenue between Emerson Street and Glen View Terrace, but state Rep. Patricia Dillon, D-New Haven, continues to pressure state officials for aid to the "sinking homes" in the Beverly Hills section of Westville, a situation she blames on "massive construction."

Dillon blames construction around Blake Street for shifting land and causing the homes to become unstable, and wants the state to examine the environmental impact the Whalley construction might have before proceeding.

"I'm a little unhappy they released more money for construction before they took action on a plan to remedy housing," Dillon said.

A $2 million grant-in-aid was secured during the September special session to assist the Beverly Hills homeowners, but that money has yet to be released.

Homes there have sustained cracked foundations, garage floors and basements, Dillon said.

While state money may be in limbo, Dillon said that state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy has agreed to tour the sinking homes.

"I'm very pleased that Commissioner McCarthy has agreed to tour this neighborhood and see the issues firsthand," she said. "Once we agree on a plan to help homeowners save their homes, and hope and expect that Governor Rell will release this funding."

Dillon said she does not oppose widening Whalley, but wanted the project's environmental impact considered. "The problem wasn't whether we supported road widening. Do it in the right way. In a way that minimizes impact on the wetlands. It could very well impact the ground these houses are sitting on," she said.

Dillon claimed the DOT has been "indifferent, and sometimes hostile to reviewing the environmental impact of their construction projects."

She is seeking additional environmental testing to determine the cause for the sinking homes.

DOT officials could not be reached for comment.

In a prepared statement, Rell praised the Whalley project.

"This is an important public safety project," Rell said. "This stretch of Whalley Avenue has seen more than 400 wrecks between January 2001 and June 2004 resulting in more than 125 injuries. That is simply too many crashes and too many people getting hurt. Our plan is to widen the street and fully rebuild it, as well as replacing the curbs and sidewalks, all with the goal of making this busy street safer for residents and business people."

Elizabeth Benton can be reached at 789-5714 or ebenton@nhregister.com.